Weber State football: 'Cats focus on selves with Utah looming

College football • Young Wildcats' focus on their own execution for Saturday.

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This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2013, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.

Ogden • The first week of college football brought its share of surprises as eight FCS teams were victorious against larger FBS foes. Most shocking was Eastern Washington's upset of Oregon State.

If Weber State hopes to become the ninth Football Championship Subdivision program to flex its muscle, the Wildcats, 50-40 winners in their season and home opener against Stephen F. Austin, they say they're not going to do it by worrying about Utah. Weber State's focus in preparation for the 1-0 Utes is all Weber State.

"We know what a quality opponent Utah is," WSU coach Jody Sears said. "Great moments come from great opportunities, but we can't focus too much on what Utah is doing."

Sears wants his Wildcats  0-3 all time against Utah  to concentrate on execution as well as continuing building the trust between coaches and players.

Eight Weber State football players were ruled ineligible for academic reasons prior to last Saturday's home game against Stephen F. Austin, ncluding starting center Tyson Tiatia and kicker Shaun McClain. Weber State confirmed in early August that it was under investigation by the NCAA for "potential academic issues" involving its football players. The school self-reported the issue to the NCAA during the spring. The players include defensive tackle Karl Finai, defensive end Siamani Harris, linebacker Marquel Holmes, cornerback Devonte Johnson, receiver Chase Nakamura and tight end Zane Smith. It unknown if, or when the players will be reinstated. The NCAA was scheduled to visit Weber State this week regarding possible academic fraud involving math classes.

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